After discussing the jab, it seemed many were confused about just what is a jab and what is a lead straight and whats the difference? So, after much hesitation, here it is.

From a spectator point of view it is very easy to confuse these punches as the mechanics are very similar.

The biggest difference between these two punches is the power. A jab, snaps at impact. A Leading straight snaps after it has gone THROUGH or PAST its target.

The generation of power is different than that of the jab as well, though one might not see it simply by looking. When you jab, its a whipping motion, mostly from the shoulder, with little help from the waist and torso. The Lead Straight is also whippy, and you should be relaxed when performing. However, the strike will begin at the feet. If you are using a lead right, then movement will start at your left foot, by springing out. The energy will continue through your left leg as it extends, through the waist as it turns, across the back, through the right shoulder, the right wrist as it snap, and expells through the target. The fist should return on the same plane, without dropping and at the same speed that it was fired out. Like all good punches, it does not move backwards before moving forwards, and it remains relaxed until impact.

While you can use it relatively the same as the jab, there are some key differences that should be noted.

These differences mainly spawn due to the increase in power. Since you are using more power there is more of a gap for you to be attacked. (Gap meaning time it takes from launch to impact, and from impact to arrival in your defensive structure.)

Since the gap is larger, this isnt often an opening technique, unless initializing a combo. It isnt used so much for range or for feeling out the opponent since it expels more energy than the jab. Instead the jab will often set up the straight, after opening up the opponent, or putting him on the defensive.

The straight plays a larger role in counter hitting and stop hitting than the jab. An angry attacker may sacrifice taking a jab to get the rush or clinch. When stop hitting with the straight you get much more power delivery and weight behind you, giving you a better chance of success for stopping.

As a counter it still gives adequate power. Since it is a straight line, and has the advantage of starting halfway to the opponent, it will reach the opponent quickly. Any opportunity that you can counter with a reverse punch, or cross, you can do it with a lead straight quicker, and with adequate power.

After a parry the lead straight is also very workable if you have good footwork. Parry, advance and straight. This can also be done while retreating.

The last, but one of the most important details involving the lead straight is head and hand placement.

Your head should tilt when using the lead straight and your rear hand should be just below the elbow of your lead arm. For example, if you use a lead straight right, your head should tilt slightly down and to the left. Be mindful to keep your eyes on your opponent of course. The reason for this is because of that slightly longer gap that we talked about earlier. Keeping your head down and tilted to the side will keep him from coming over your arm and hitting your jaw or back of your head. Your hand placement on the rear hand will keep him from landing an uppercut or hook on you. If he comes at you with a straight shot, chances are you can slip it or it will graze you, since your head is tilted.

When using the straight to the body, be sure to keep your line of sight. Keep your shoulder level with your fist and your target. Drop levels quickly, coming in and going out.

And lastly a simple formula to help you decide whether you want to go high or low with the lead straight. High if they are farther and low if they're closer. Not absolute but a guide anyways.

So there you have it. Hope I covered it all. Probably havent. Its late, and I dont know that much so what do you expect?! Enjoy guys and lets hear what you think!

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"When I let Go of who I am, I become who I might be." Lao Tzu

Just kidding Good work explaining that one, and thanks once again bro.

The lead straight is good for counter-fighters who are right-handed but fight in south-paw. Some of my former Kohais complained when fighting in southpaw they missed their right handed cross-counter. Basically, if you do this right, you CAN counter a cross with this much like a cross, but do be aware that the only type of punch you'll be able to counter like that is a cross. If you tried it against a lead jab, it's a bit awkward as you're infront of him and your leading hand is behind him with his arm blocking the way. An uppercut to your stomache is guaranteed.

Notice the flexibility of this punch when compared to the cross. The cross only has the option of travelling forward in a straight line. The lead straight however, can only travel in a straight line but in any direction.

So you could slip a lead swing, jab or a lead straight and land this baby right on their face.

I'm going to try and be a bit scientific, but my measurements are probably a bit off. The lead straight has a 90 degree cone in which it can travel. The cross only has a 45 degree cone in which it can travel. So the lead straight can be thrown from weird angles after slipping or swaying.

Another thing is the lead straight sometimes goes through good defense. The reason is it's faster than a cross, and is usually unexpected.

Remember that the lead straight is a good weapon for counterfighters. It has the some power of the cross and retains some of the flexibility and speed of the jab. Not a weapon to be ignored.

-Taison out

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I got two fists.. Don't make me use my head as well!

Ok at 03:56, you can clearly see that Mirko was knocked out by a straight lead. This lead however was a bit bent and looked like a hook because when Randleman hit, he didn't snap it back but let it go through the target.

I have to put on it however, as there are some vulgar language being used.

I also have to say that the commentators are just F!@!#%^ noobs, that's not a left hook, that's a lead straight. Go home and learn your basics.

-Taison out

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I got two fists.. Don't make me use my head as well!

I've got a question. Do you think the lead straight can generate enough force to end a fight? In my experience, it's a powerful punch as far as knocking the head back, but it just doesn't travel far enough to have enough momentum to cause something like a KO. It is probably just my lack of skill with the punch, I usually use it at the end of a combination, in order to move back out into sparring range.

IT definately can Supremor! First of all, if your knocking the head back, then you have enough power to drop them. Try putting more weight delivery into it with your footwork. By either springing forward or dropping down in a step and delivering the shot. Also try aiming for the chin. The chin is a great "Drop Spot". Also if you are doing this on the retreat, make sure your feet do not begin to go backwards until impact or just before. So that when you withrdaw your punch, your feet are withdrawing as well.

For the mechanics from orthodox stance. Your right foot will push off from the ball, your leg(which should be slightly bent) will begin to extend, as if to straighten out. This will propel your body forward. Towards the apex of the push your waist will begin to turn so that your left shoulder(the lead hand) begins to go forward and slightly up while the right will go left and begin to go slightly dow as you start to tilt your head down and to the right. As the left shoulder moves forward the left hand(relaxed) will begin its straight line to the target. VERY IMPORTANT! DON NOT throw the strike straight fro the shoulder, but from your center, and if you can, attack his centerline. Even if you cant hit his centerline always attack from the center when using the lead straight. This is very important and advantageous to the Striker.

First, from the center is more power. The second reason is protection. If you throw the straight, straight out from the shoulder he can throw his own straight or jab and hit you. Also, your head wont be able to tilt as much, making it easier to hit the face, or to come over your strike and hit the back of your head, which can be very dangerous. Also be sure that your rear hand is located just below the lead elbow to take care of any hooking or uppercutting to the body.

_________________________
"When I let Go of who I am, I become who I might be." Lao Tzu

When you see your opponent go in for an attack, you intercept him with this baby, and he'll be counting stars. The lead straight was Bruce Lee's favorite 'stop-hit'. The people he did KO, was from this.

Larry Holmes knocked a lot of people out with this technique, as well Cassius Clay.

-Taison out

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I got two fists.. Don't make me use my head as well!